Almost all the people I work with are early boomer retirees or DINKs. No, I’m not being rude – DINK is the acronym for Double Income No Kids.
Ask what accommodation they need and virtually every one will say “two bedrooms.” The reason? 80 per cent of the time it’s to keep stuff. Sometimes it’s to use as a guestroom, which they readily admit will be used only rarely. Occasionally it will be used as an office.
Mitsubishi split airconditioner
Closet storage
Hide-away ofice
I like to show people the numbers before they fixate on the “must have two bedrooms” concept.
Even with my downtown FRONT OF THE LINE bargains, you are still likely to pay between $300 and $450 per square foot for a condo in downtown Toronto. An average second bedroom is about 150 square feet. So - do the math - that extra bedroom you will likely use for stuff will cost $45,000 to $60,000. That same amount invested and compounding at 5% a year for 10 years is up to a whopping $100,000.Maintenance fees and taxes on that extra room could cost about $1200 annually, compounded over 10 years at the same modest 5%, add another $17,500.
Is that stuff really worth it? There are many other solutions. When was the last time you used your stuff? In fact when did you last look at it? Or even open the box it’s stored in?
stuff
Be careful about letting stuff dictate your living space – it’s a very expensive proposition. A downtown storage facility will rent for much less than the maintenance and taxes on that extra room.
You want it for guests? Consider renting hotel rooms for occasional guests – it’s much cheaper and probably easier on your nerves – and your friendship.
Aside from that, I have a number of space planning solutions that could even incorporate another bed for those occasional stayovers.
Open Murphy bed
Large library Murphy bed. Centre shelves slide to reveal bed
Murphy bed and desk
Downsizing your living space doesn’t mean downgrading it. Take a look at just what can be done with a kitchen. See how built-in features and small appliances can completely conserve space, add storage and provide a feeling of openness. Effective use of space can save you thousands of dollars in storage fees or $100,000 in the cost of an extra bedroom over the next ten years.
Think what that money will buy!
counter, storage and built in bookshelves that can be open or with doors
Small appliances flush with counter
Counter seats 10 easily
Small solutions work
Think compact, organized and efficient -built in bookcases and closets, small music systems or ipod sound docks, flat screen televisions, split air conditioners. Small solutions are endless.
I’ve been designing small spaces for years. Now you can take advantage of my experience and expertise.
18 inch Miele dishwasher
24 inch wide counter flush refrigerators
ipod and dock
All my buyers get a free consultation on design solutions and referrals to my designer contacts.
So, when you’re looking for space solutions, call me –
